The Boston Celtics are set to square off against the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals. This series is filled with both established stars and rising superstars. The Warriors are filled with future Hall of Fame players, including Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Each of them have already won three NBA Championships, and this will be their sixth NBA Finals appearance in the last eight seasons. The last team to do that was Michael Jordan and the 1990's Chicago Bulls.

Meanwhile, there is not a single player on the Celtics with NBA Finals experience. But that does not mean the Celtics are inexperienced. This was the fourth Eastern Conference Finals appearance over the last six seasons. They lost the previous three in 2017, 2018 and 2020. Many of the players on those teams are on this Boston team. They finally broke through this time.

Boston does not duck any smoke either, as coach Ime Udoka reminded his team.

They played to win at the end of the regular season, knowing that meant a battle with Kevin Durant in the first round. The Celtics swept Durant, Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets. They then took out the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks in seven games. Finally, they defeated the top-seeded Miami Heat on the road in Game 7 to earn a trip back to the finals. This team does not back down to anyone and will not do so to the vaunted Warriors.

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So, let's get into my Boston Celtics three bold predictions for the 2022 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

Boston Celtics: 3 Bold Predictions for 2022 NBA Finals vs. Golden State Warriors

1. Celtics Hold Golden State Under 100 Points At Least Twice

Everyone is well aware of how good the Warriors are offensively. Curry is most likely the greatest shooter of the basketball in the sport's long history. Thompson, when healthy, isn't that far off from that pace either. But what most people probably don't realize is that this Celtics team is incredibly similar to this Warriors team.

Both Golden State and Boston were among the league leaders in three-point attempts and three-point percentage. Equally as important, they were tied (with the Heat also) leading the league in three-point defense. Opponents only made 33.9% of shots from beyond the arc against them.

Both teams typically try to switch everything. This has been a common theme throughout the NBA as the last year or two progressed. However, only Boston and Golden State actually have the players to do it correctly. The Celtics are probably the best at this because of the athleticism of their bigs in Al Horford and Robert Williams.

Even Draymond Green has applauded Boston and their effort defensively.

I believe the under is going to hit frequently in this series, with at least two of the games being played in the 90's.

2. Boston Slows Down Klay Thompson, Opens Door for Andrew Wiggins

The Celtics winger Jaylen Brown has taken massive leaps the last couple of seasons. He is now recognized as an All-Star level player and can score 23 plus on any given night. But what has always set his game apart has been his ability to defend. Brown was an excellent defender at Cal, and has brought the same energy and enthusiasm to the Celtics.

Thompson is obviously an all-time great shooter. But even he has acknowledged that he is still not quite the same player he once was prior to all of his massive injuries. I would expect Brown to try and shadow him off screens all series. Brown is great at closing out on shooters, and uses his long frame well. However, it's going to take a lot of effort to keep chasing Thompson.

That means that when he is matched up with Andrew Wiggins, a slasher, he could be taken advantage of. Between Wiggins and Thompson, I believe it is Wiggins who will have the better, more impactful series. It could also mean a tough series for Brown offensively as well, as he will be forced to guard nearly every possession defensively.

3. Boston Steals Game 1, Forces Long Series

The Warriors easily pushing past the Mavs, combined with the Celtics struggles to put the Heat away, have created the perception that Golden State should easily win this series.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Since Steve Kerr took over the Warriors as head coach, the only team in the NBA he has a losing record against is, yup, you guessed it, the Boston Celtics.

Not only that, but since Stephen Curry entered the league, only the San Antonio Spurs have a better record against him personally. Clearly, the Celtics have matched up well with Golden State during this reign of dominance.

With a full three days rest for the first time in the playoffs, Boston should be healthy come Game 1. They are an NBA-best 7-2 on the road this postseason. I know the Warriors are 9-0 at home. I'm aware. But I believe Boston has a better chance at Game 1 than Game 2.

Assuming the ‘road warriors' steal a game in Golden State, this series will firmly be on track to be a long one.